This article presents a study of the differences between firms' inbound and outbound preventive activities in logistics flows: in addition, a study of the association between the firms' inbound and outbound preventive activities and the occurrence of disturbances is analysed. Initially, the research is based upon an inductive approach. Thereafter a deductive approach is performed in order to verify or reject the empirical findings of the inductive approach. The research is thus based upon a two-phase process utilising methodological triangulation. Phase one applies qualitative methods that explore the overall environment of preventive activities in supply chains of the automotive industry. The outcome is generated and based upon the empirical findings from a case study of a Swedish car manufacturer. Phase two applies quantitative methods to test the generated empirical findings that originate from phase one, but now in a wider context. It is in part concluded that the preventive activities in the inbound logistics flows from subcontractors, and the preventive activities in the outbound logistics flows to customers, differ from each other. There is also an association between the preventive activities in the inbound logistics flows from subcontractors and the preventive activities in the outbound logistics flows to customers. Furthermore, a model and a conceptual framework of prevention scenarios are introduced in order to describe and classify the firms' inbound and outbound preventive activities in logistics flows. Finally, it will be shown that the results indicate that there is in part an association between the preventive activities and the occurrence of quantitative and qualitative disturbances in the firms' inbound and outbound logistics flows.